Right now, you might be exploring multiple colleges, searching through pages of academic programs. That can be a lot to process. Maybe you know what you’re interested in, but what if you don’t? How can you navigate a decision that not only affects your finances but your schedule and future career opportunities as well?
Take a breath – you can find your way. Here are a few things to consider when you’re making decisions about your area of study.
What gives you energy? Think about your hobbies, volunteer activities, and interests.
This might seem like a basic question, but it’s a great place to start. How do you spend most of your time? As you consider what you like, don’t forget to examine what you dislike. These preferences may be good indicators of what you would enjoy studying, or they will at least help you narrow down the search.
Your strengths and weaknesses can also help you find a major that’s a good fit for you. If math doesn’t interest you, you might want to consider choosing a major that doesn’t require a lot of math classes. If math is something you really enjoy, research further into what programs involve a lot of math (and which lead to careers that work well for people who love numbers). Research is your friend.
What are your values and long-term goals?
Think about where you see yourself in five years and then in ten. Do you envision yourself working at a particular place or in a specific job?
If you don’t know what career or industry you see yourself in, you can take a skills or career assessment, or you could work the question in reverse: instead of trying to find a specific job title to aim for, take a look at what you value most. Then let your values help you set a course. Take one step at a time, and get comfortable with the future’s uncertainty. Some professionals say the best method to discovering a fulfilling career (and degree program) is letting what matters most to you guide the way.
Talk to an advisor or a professional.
Advisors and counselors can be very helpful in narrowing down what degree programs would be a good fit for your goals, interests and strengths. Try to attend career fairs and other events that allow you to talk to professionals in different fields. Practicing professionals can tell you about their educational journey and what steps they took to get to their career path today.
Regardless of where you are in the process, remember you’re not alone. Plenty of people in these early stages experience uncertainty and maybe even a little anxiety. Don’t let that stop you. Even in the uncertainty, your degree is certainly possible.
IWU–National & Global offers more than 100 online and onsite programs ranging from certificates and associate programs to doctoral-level degrees.